The family is the first and most influential institution in a child's life. Parents and guardians are role models for children, who don't only learn by imitation but who experience short and long-term effects of the environment they are raised in.
How parents treat each other and whether they maintain boundaries and rules sets the tone for how children will interact with their siblings and even others outside of the family.
By understanding how individual behavior can impact the family system, and vice versa, families can work together to create a positive and supportive environment for all members.
What Builds a Functional vs. Dysfunctional Household?
There are two main types of families: functional and dysfunctional.
A functional family is one in which all members support and care for one another. Functional households are typically marked by consistent boundaries that yield respect for one another and overall positivity.
In contrast, a dysfunctional family is one in which members do not have or respect physical or emotional boundaries. In dysfunctional families, individuals are more likely to experience arguments, hold grudges, manipulate, criticize and disrespect each other.
In a dysfunctional family, it's also common for conflict or destructive behavior within the family to arise from just one of its members. For example, a parent addicted to drugs or alcohol may neglect their children, causing the children to suffer from emotional abuse. In some cases, dysfunctional homes can lead to untreated mental illness or domestic violence.
How Family Therapy Can Help
No matter what kind of family you come from, remember you are not alone—we all have families that influence our lives in one way or another. There are many resources available to help you cope with any challenges you may be facing.
Family therapy can be a tremendously helpful resource for helping families learn to function as a whole. By addressing each member, parent, or family as a whole, it becomes easier to see the full picture and break destructive family patterns before they continue to impact your health and happiness and even carry across generations.